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arXiv:2105.13518 · Applied Physics Letters

18.8 Gbps real-time quantum random number generator with a photonic integrated chip

Bing Bai, Jianyao Huang, Guan-Ru Qiao, You-Qi Nie, Weijie Tang, Tao Chu, Jun Zhang, Jian-Wei Pan

Published Jun 28, 2021• 105 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) can produce true random numbers. Yet, the two most important QRNG parameters highly desired for practical applications, i.e., speed and size, have to be compromised during implementations. Here, we present the fastest and miniaturized QRNG with a record real-time output rate as high as 18.8 Gbps by combining a photonic integrated chip and the technology of optimized randomness extraction. We assemble the photonic integrated circuit designed for vacuum state QRNG implementation, an InGaAs homodyne detector, and a high-bandwidth transimpedance amplifier into a single chip using hybrid packaging, which exhibits the excellent characteristics of integration and high-frequency response. With a sample rate of 2.5 GSa/s in a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter and subsequent paralleled postprocessing in a field programmable gate array, the QRNG outputs ultrafast random bitstreams via a fiber optic transceiver, whose real-time speed is validated in a personal computer.

DOI
10.1063/5.0056027

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Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) can produce true random numbers. Yet, the two most important QRNG parameters highly desired for practical applications, i.e., speed and size, have to be compromised during implementations. Here, we present the fastest and miniaturized QRNG with a record real-time output rate as high as 18.8 Gbps by combining a photonic integrated chip and the technology of optimized randomness extraction. We assemble the photonic integrated circuit designed for vacuum state QRNG implementation, an InGaAs homodyne detector, and a high-bandwidth transimpedance amplifier into a single chip using hybrid packaging, which exhibits the excellent characteristics of integration and high-frequency response. With a sample rate of 2.5 GSa/s in a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter and subsequent paralleled postprocessing in a field programmable gate array, the QRNG outputs ultrafast random bitstreams via a fiber optic transceiver, whose real-time speed is validated in a personal computer.
Real-time high-speed mutually independent two-channel quantum random number generator (QRNG) device has been proposed using a programmable photonic integrated circuit in silicon photonics platform. Broadband random fluctuations of quantum photonic waveguide vacuum mode is harnessed in each of the mutually independent channels by mixing a guided coherent laser light operating at λ ∼ 1550 nm. All classical noises arising out of electrical, mechanical, thermal disturbances, etc. are minimized by the use of homodyne detection and appropriate programming of the photonic integrated circuit. The method of classical noise elimination has been supported with an appropriate theoretical modeling and experimental observations. The raw random number generation rate per channel was 4 Gbps, when the output signal from the homodyne detectors (bandwidth 1.6 GHz) was sampled at 500 MSa/s and subsequently digitized by a 14-bit analog-to-digital converter. We have also shown that the proposed PPIC design can be scaled up to higher number of channels using CMOS fabrication process compatible silicon photonics technology. Such mutually independent multi-channel QRNG sources are especially useful for high-speed chip-scale quantum key distribution (QKD) transceivers.
Quantum random number generator (QRNG) allows for the production of truly unpredictable random numbers, thanks to the inherent randomness available in quantum mechanics. However, its practical implementation is facing several challenges, including the practical security loophole, high-speed real-time randomness extraction, and large-scale production. In this work, we address these challenges with a chip-based, source-independent quantum random number generator achieving 20 Gbps real-time generation rate. It ensures the practical security through a source-independent security framework and the modeling of measurement devices. A bandwidth exceeding 2 GHz and a clearance reaching 10 dB is achieved by a silicon-based homodyne detector. Analog-to-digital conversion and randomness extraction are integrated on a single data collection and processing board, where the optimized parallel randomness extraction algorithm on a field programmable gate array achieves a throughput up to 28 Gbps. The results promise a high-speed and practically secure quantum random number generation on a chip, paving the way for its large-scale deployments and widespread applications.
Real-time high-speed mutually independent two-channel quantum random number generator (QRNG) device has been proposed using a programmable photonic integrated circuit in silicon photonics platform. Broadband random fluctuations of quantum photonic waveguide vacuum mode is harnessed in each of the mutually independent channels by mixing a guided coherent laser light operating at λ ∼ 1550 nm. All classical noises arising out of electrical, mechanical, thermal disturbances, etc. are minimized by the use of homodyne detection and appropriate programming of the photonic integrated circuit. The method of classical noise elimination has been supported with an appropriate theoretical modeling and experimental observations. The raw random number generation rate per channel was 4 Gbps, when the output signal from the homodyne detectors (bandwidth 1.6 GHz) was sampled at 500 MSa/s and subsequently digitized by a 14-bit analog-to-digital converter. We have also shown that the proposed PPIC design can be scaled up to higher number of channels using CMOS fabrication process compatible silicon photonics technology. Such mutually independent multi-channel QRNG sources are especially useful for high-speed chip-scale quantum key distribution (QKD) transceivers.
Quantum random-number generators (QRNGs) produce true random numbers, which are guaranteed by the fundamental principles of quantum physics. Miniaturization of QRNGs is crucial for a wide range of communication and cryptography applications. Here, we first report a fully functional QRNG chip based on vacuum-state fluctuations, with dimensions of $16.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7.8\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{mm}}^{2}$. The quantum entropy source, which is achieved via hybrid photonic integration with an SiO2{\mathrm{Si}\mathrm{O}}_{2}SiO2​ waveguide, generates raw quantum random numbers. The hybrid photonic and electrical components are assembled into a compact ceramic package using system-in-package technology. A microcontroller unit acquires the raw data and outputs the processed quantum random numbers via a serial peripheral interface. According to the characterization results, the QRNG chip achieves a constant real-time output rate of 5.2 Mbps across the industrial temperature range of $\ensuremath{-}40$ to $85{\phantom{\rule{0.1em}{0ex}}}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}\mathrm{C}$, making it suitable for practical applications.
We present a real-time and fully integrated quantum random number generator (QRNG) by measuring laser phase fluctuations. The QRNG scheme based on laser phase fluctuations is featured for its capability of generating ultra-high-speed random numbers. However, the speed bottleneck of a practical QRNG lies on the limited speed of randomness extraction. To close the gap between the fast randomness generation and the slow post-processing, we propose a pipeline extraction algorithm based on Toeplitz matrix hashing and implement it in a high-speed field-programmable gate array. Further, all the QRNG components are integrated into a module, including a compact and actively stabilized interferometer, high-speed data acquisition, and real-time data post-processing and transmission. The final generation rate of the QRNG module with real-time extraction can reach 3.2 Gbps.
The quantum random number generation exploits inherent randomness of quantum mechanical processes and measurements. The real-time generation rate of quantum random numbers is usually limited by electronic bandwidth and data processing rates. Here we use a multiplexing scheme to create a fast real-time quantum random number generator based on continuous variable vacuum fluctuations. Multiple sideband frequency modes of a quantum vacuum state within a homodyne detection bandwidth are concurrently extracted as the randomness source. Parallel postprocessing of raw data from three subentropy sources is realized in one field-programmable gate array (FPGA) based on Toeplitz-hashing extractors. A cumulative generation rate of 8.25 Gbps in real time is achieved. The system relies on optoelectronic components and circuits that could be integrated in a compact, economical package.